Expert: n/a - 9/12/2007

Question
I was convicted on a habitual traffic offender charge, after receiving my third DUI. I was given an option between doing one year in DOC or two years with community corrections, followed by work release. I chose DOC. I began my sentence Dec. 15, 1995. It was also the last day I drank alcohol. I ended up getting out in nine months on good behavior. At that time, a DUI wasn't considered a violent crime. I believe that's been changed. Traffic violations are what you will find in my jacket. I completed parole on 08/16/1997. I've been working in the Middle East and N. Africa for nine years. My passion is flyfishing. My love is the wilderness. I was planning to move to Alaska this coming summer. Personally, I would consider a man either insane or suicidal to live in the Alaskan back country without protection. I'm not suicidal, and consider my mind to be fairly sound, which comes to my question. Do you think I'm wasting my time attempting to get these rights returned to me. If you think it possible, and I were to pursue this chase, what division would I need to contact. I live in Colorado.

Answer
Hello Mike,  You said you live in Colorado so I'm assuming you was convicted in CO.  You also stated that it was your 3rd DUI, but is it 3 DUI convictions? if just one conviction you can get your rights to bear arms with a restoration of rights from the State you was convicted or the State where you presently live.  An easier way is to get a Florida Exucutive Clemency and get a Florida Non-resident Pistol Permit.  You can download the application online line by typing in Florida Executive Clemency.  You can also have the pistol permit application mailed to you on the Florida dept. of agriculture and division of licensing website.  Each State has it's own laws on restoration of rights.  Maybe with a traffic conviction of DUI you wont need a restoration of rights. Call the pistol licensing agency and ask them is a traffic conviction of 12 years ago a disqualification for a pistol permit.  Some States say traffic convictions are not Criminal convictions unless harm to another human life has been done or attempted.